Should Differential coupler spin freely?

Nissan Rogue forum - Includes Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Dualis as well.
wmick
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Dec 01, 2024 5:28 pm
Car: 2009 Nissan Rogue

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Hi Folks
Wmick here from Ontario. Been reading a bunch here... but just joined. 1st post.
I'm hoping for some technical advice. Recently my 2009 AWD Rogue developed a vibration while accelerating... primarily between 0 and 30mph. While putting my snows on this weekend, I inspected things, expecting to find a bad cv or u-joint... but no luck... However I did notice something that has me puzzled. Spinning one rear wheel results in spinning the driveshaft. I'm not familiar with the magnetic coupler yet... but I suspect it should be fully disengaged without power to it.... fully disconnecting the differential from the prop (drive) shaft... Am I correct to be thinking the coupler has a problem and has seized or bound up in a drive condition? Sorry for the long windedness and thanks in advance for your help..
Wmick


V6er
Posts: 165
Joined: Wed Jul 17, 2019 8:00 am
Car: 2014 Nissan Rogue T32 SL
2023 Nissan Rogue T33 SL

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put it on a lift and "drive" it with and without 4x4(I know - badge says awd). that way you will know for sure - is it stuck or not.
p.s. those vibrations can be caused by other things too... like torque converter or other stuff. for this situation - I would even suggest go to dealership. they have those fancy "microphones/sensors" they can attach to multiple places and can diagnose source of vibrations. last dealership I attended had 1hour diagnosing for 150bucks.

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VStar650CL
Technical Expert
Posts: 9903
Joined: Thu Nov 12, 2020 1:25 pm
Car: 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL
2004 Nissan Altima 2.5 S

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There's always some drag through those couplers, but if you can't prevent the shaft from spinning by holding it then the coupler is definitely locked up. The driveshaft U-joints on the S35/T31's are another frequent source of vibration. There's no problem with dropping the shaft and driving the car FWD to confirm that the problem is in the rear and not the front.

wmick
Posts: 2
Joined: Sun Dec 01, 2024 5:28 pm
Car: 2009 Nissan Rogue

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Thanks for the help... I will investigate further.


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